New Models
New Models

Ford Focus RS to be axed? Not so fast

Ford Australia has dismissed overseas reports that claim the hot hatch hero will be killed.


Ford Australia has dismissed overseas reports that its flagship hot hatch Focus RS will not be revived with the latest generation model.

French publication Caradisiac claimed yesterday the fourth-gen Focus RS – which has been reported to add a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to the outgoing generation’s 257kW and 470Nm 2.3-litre turbocharged four cylinder engine – had failed to meet 2021 European emissions standards even with hybrid technology.

“The latest generation of Focus ... will not be offered in a radical RS version,” the French news outlet said.

The new European standards require a fleet-average CO2 emission of 95g/km. For context, the outgoing third-generation Focus RS recorded 175g/km in European-specification as reported by AutoBlog.

However, Ford Australia remains confident emissions targets can be met, adding that it is too early to confirm the model’s future either way.

“It’s far too early to speculate on any future plans for RS,” a Ford spokesperson told CarAdvice.

“The ‘C2’ platform that underpins the new-generation Focus features an up-to-the-minute, highly-advanced technology-laden architecture.”

"[The platform] has enabled our Focus line-up a range of efficient powertrains."

Above and top of story: 2018 Ford Focus RS

There is no lack of investment in the C2 platform by Ford either, with the underpinnings used for its fourth-generation Focus and sportier Focus ST models, also set to feature in the upcoming plug-in hybrid Escape due later this year.

Ford Australia also pointed to the timing of previous generations of Focus which did not launch with an RS version – instead seeing the high performance model added to the lineup towards the end of each generation's life cycle.

CarAdvice understands that – if a fourth-generation Focus RS was to be offered – it would land sometime in 2024.

The fourth-generation Focus launched in Australia in 2018, accompanied by the sportier ST model earlier this year.

MORE:Ford Showroom
MORE:Ford News
MORE:Ford Reviews
MORE:Ford Focus Showroom
MORE:Ford Focus News
MORE:Ford Focus Reviews
MORE:Search Used Ford Focus Cars for Sale
MORE:Search Used Ford Cars for Sale
MORE:Ford Showroom
MORE:Ford News
MORE:Ford Reviews
MORE:Ford Focus Showroom
MORE:Ford Focus News
MORE:Ford Focus Reviews
MORE:Search Used Ford Focus Cars for Sale
MORE:Search Used Ford Cars for Sale
Chat with us!







Chat with Agent